LGBTQ+ families come in a wide variety of forms. Whether a parent or child is gay, bisexual, transgender, or identifies as anything else under the rainbow umbrella, there are special considerations for families that include LGBTQ+ members. Some of these are joyful, like being able to express yourself at a Pride parade, and others not so much, like having to help your trans kid navigate the turbulent political environment.
The state of the world for LGBTQ+ families is at an unusual place. In many ways, the queer and trans community has more visibility, acceptance, and support in society than ever before. But at the same time, attacks against the community have grown louder. Many conservatives are specifically targeting kids, with anti-trans bills banning children from sports, bathrooms, and gender-affirming care, and "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bills that prevent kids from seeing themselves represented in the classroom.
As much as this can be overwhelming for LGBTQ+ kids, it can also be difficult for their parents to know how to respond to current events and raise confident and healthy queer and trans children. This is how to lend your support, talk to your kids about LGBTQ+ issues, and navigate the challenges of being an LGBTQ+ family, no matter where you are in your journey.
This Map Shows States Where Trans Kids Are Safest And Most At Risk
After the midterms, the landscape of states that might try to hurt trans kids — and states that might try to help them — has shifted.
Texas Transgender Youth Law Would Criminalize Parents, But They're Fighting Back
A legislator in Texas proposed a bill that would slam parents of transgender kids with a felony if they help their child access gender-affirming care. Parents and allies are fighting back.
6 Things To Say When Your Son Comes Out
Show your support with these simple phrases.
LGBTQ+ Kids Are Coming Out Earlier. Here’s What That Means For Their Mental Health
Staying closeted isn’t the answer.
Five Myths About Puberty Blockers For Trans Kids, Debunked
This common treatment isn’t controversial among medical professionals. Here, from the experts, are the facts about puberty blockers.
Jon Stewart’s Brutal Takedown Of Anti-Trans Legislator Leslie Rutledge Is A Must-Watch
An interview with Attorney General of Arkansas turns into a masterclass in facing down anti-trans talking points.
Thousands Of Public School Students Walked Out Yesterday — And Parents Have Their Back
In Virginia, thousands of teens staged a walkout to protest anti-transgender policies proposed by their governor.
Dwayne Wade Is Busy Being A Great Role Model For Parents Of LGBTQ+ Kids
Dwyane Wade has officially filed paperwork in court to legally change his 15-year-old daughter’s name and legal gender.
Florida Joins States Blocking Medicaid For Gender-Affirming Care
Florida has become at least the 11th state, per some estimates, to ban people — adults and minors alike — from using Medicaid to access gender-affirming care.
‘Social Contagion’ Isn’t A Thing — And 4 More Myths About Trans Youth, Debunked
A new study takes aim at some of the most dangerous myths about trans kids.
16 States Sue Florida Over “Don’t Say Gay” Bill — Here’s Why
Attorneys general from 16 states are suing the state of Florida to stop the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, arguing it harms students and lacks educational merit.
What Age Do Transgender Kids Know They’re Trans?
And other FAQs from parents, answered.
5 Myths About Gender-Affirming Care For Trans Kids, Debunked
What the science really says about this often life-saving care.
Biden’s Title IX Announcement Is a Big Deal — Here’s Why
Last week, the Biden administration announced they’d be restoring necessary rules to Title IX.
A Bipartisan Free School Lunch Program Is Almost Here — If Bizarre Last-Minute Objections Let Up
A bipartisan bill to extend parts of the free school meal lunch program for kids just passed the House before a June 30th deadline. A few Senate Republicans are trying to delay it.
Chilling Investigations Into Trans Kids Are Blocked By Texas Judge. What Happens Next?
A judge temporarily blocked Texas from so-called “child abuse” investigations into families of transgender youth.